Fossa Fun
Posted at 10:13 am September 10, 2007 by Nicki Boyd
Isa the fossa is growing fast (see previous blog, Curious Little Fossa). He is going for walks with the trainers almost daily and getting better and better all the time. Most times, getting his harness on is like leashing up a live fish, but occasionally he surprises us and holds still for the event.
His curiosity is rewarding. We observe him with child-like fascination as he explores and gets used to new sights and sounds: everything from trucks to wheelbarrows are all new to him. As our grounds people hose the area, he thinks there is a giant green snake on the ground; he isn’t sure if he wants to kill it or run from it! What joy I find in this job as I get to work with new species and train juvenile animals to go for walks. I can’t believe I get paid to do this! Then it’s back to the office, working on schedules and time cards, and I appreciate the paychecks!
Nicki Boyd is the animal care supervisor at the San Diego Zoo’s Children’s Zoo.
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September 10th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Nicki, I can’t believe my eyes, Isa has grown so much and what a beautiful picture of the two of you together.I have this picture in my mind of him taking in all the new sighs and sounds in his new world, especially the big bad green monster in the garden. This animal is truly lucky to have people like yourself and all the keepers who have taken care of him in his difficult beginnings. I have one question, how much deos Isa weigh now. you all are the greatest
September 10th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Such a big, handsome fellow! I’ve been waiting for an update on him and it’s great to know how well he’s doing. Thanks!
August 7th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I have just arrived home from my most recent visit to the zoo. I always seem to find something new to learn about and this trip was no different. For the first time ever I saw a Fossa! They are so beautiful. It is exciting to know that you have been working with one of them to become an animal ambassador. It has been about a year since this post. How is Isa doing now? He must be close to full grown. The Mother and pups that you have on display were so wonderful to watch. I could have stayed all day. The pups are SO cute!! Of course I had to move on because I would miss so much if I spent all day with the fossas.
While I know what a hard job you all have, you are so fortunate to work in such a rewarding environment. Thank you to all of you who are the care takers for the future of all creatures great and small.
Moderator’s note: Nicki tells us that Issa is doing ” fabulous!” He goes on daily walks with one of several keepers, weighs about 9 pounds (adult fossas can reach up to 22 pounds), and has energy galore. Nicki says he is bundles of fun to work with!